We can see Earth from space because the Earth emits electromagnetic radiation in the wave spectrum that is visible to human eyes.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement claims that we can see Earth from space because Earth emits visible light that humans can see. In reality, humans see Earth from space primarily because it reflects sunlight in the visible spectrum, not because it emits visible radiation on its own.

First, the majority of the light that makes Earth visible to observers in space comes from reflected solar radiation. The Sun emits a broad spectrum including visible light, which bounces off Earth's surface and atmosphere and travels to space where it can be detected by our eyes or cameras.

Second, while Earth does emit electromagnetic radiation, it does so mainly in the infrared portion of the spectrum as thermal radiation due to its average surface temperature (around 300 K). This emission is not in the visible range and would not be seen by the naked eye as visible light.

Third, if Earth emitted strongly in the visible spectrum as a source, it would appear luminous even without sunlight, which is not the case for our planet under typical space viewing conditions. The visible appearance is a result of reflection, not intrinsic emission.

Therefore, the statement is incorrect: Earth’s visibility from space is not because it emits visible light, but because it reflects sunlight in the visible spectrum. The true explanation hinges on reflection of solar radiation rather than intrinsic emission of visible light.

CLMT5001 Dynamics PRACTICE QUIZ: Week 2 Lecture 1

We can see Earth from space because the Earth emits electromagnetic radiation in the wave spectrum that is visible to human eyes.

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Incoming solar radiation is short-wave, while radiation outward from the Earth is long-wave.

Radio broadcasts, infrared emission, sunshine, and dental x-rays are all

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy transfer that does not require mass exchange or direct contact between heat exchanging bodies.

We can see Earth from space because the Earth emits electromagnetic radiation in the wave spectrum that is visible to human eyes.

We can see Earth from space because the Earth emits electromagnetic radiation in the wave spectrum that is visible to human eyes.

Radio broadcasts, infrared emission, Sunshine, and dental x-rays are all

Radiation needs a medium to travel.

Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the Sun:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler